Horizon Therapeutics Partners With Olympic Gold Medalist Gail Devers to Raise Awareness of Graves’ Disease and Symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

For Graves’ Disease Awareness Month in July, Horizon Therapeutics is teaming up with track star and three-time Olympic gold medalist Gail Devers, who has been living with Graves’ disease and symptoms of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) for more than 30 years. Horizon and Ms. Devers are collaborating with The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation and Prevent Blindness to help people living with Graves’ disease FOCUS on their eye health.

Up to half of people living with Graves’ disease may develop TED—a serious, progressive and vision-threatening rare autoimmune disease that causes symptoms including eye bulging, double vision and debilitating pain behind the eyes.^1,2 Although TED is related to Graves’ disease, it requires specialized treatment separate from Graves’. Spotting the signs and symptoms of TED early can help decrease the chances of serious damage to vision and appearance of the eyes.³

“I struggled with life-changing symptoms for more than 2 years before I got answers—which is why I’m passionate about raising awareness today, so others don’t have to put their dreams on hold like I did,” said Ms. Devers. “But even since my Graves’ disease diagnosis thirty years ago, it wasn’t until recently that I found out that my eye bulging, pain and constant irritation may be caused by a separate disease. I now know they could be associated with Thyroid Eye Disease and I hope my story will inspire others to know their risk and take action.”

This initiative was created to bring attention, education and resources to people who are at risk for TED, including:

• The new Listen to Your Eyes podcast series, featuring Ms. Devers and TED experts
• Videos and empowerment tips from Ms. Devers, available on www.FOCUSonTED.com and the Listen to Your EyesFacebook and Instagram pages
• A memory device, available in English and Spanish, that provides steps to help people living with Graves’ disease FOCUS on their eye health, spot the signs of TED and take action

“Gail’s perseverance throughout her health struggles is amazing, and a tremendous example to anyone who is facing what may seem like unsurmountable odds,” said Matt Flesch, vice president, communications and patient advocacy, Horizon. “Her story is a testament to the power of being your own advocate and we hope that together, we can empower others with the education and support they need when navigating the life-changing challenges caused by Thyroid Eye Disease.”

People who are living with Graves’ disease are encouraged to pay attention to changes in their eyes and visit a TED specialist—such as a neuro-ophthalmologist or an oculoplastic surgeon—to get a comprehensive eye exam. To find a nearby TED specialist, visit www.TEDdoctors.com.

References

1. Smith TJ, Hegedüs L. Graves’ disease. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(16):1552-1565.
2. Bothun ED, Scheurer RA, Harrison AR, Lee MS. Update on thyroid eye disease and management. Clin Ophthalmol. 2009;3:543-51.
3. Barrio-Barrio J, Sabater AL, Bonet-Farriol E, Velazquez-Villoria A, Galofre JC. Graves’ Ophthalmopathy: VISA versus EUGOGO Classification, Assessment, and Management. Journal of Ophthalmology. 2015:1-16.
4. About Graves’ Disease. Graves’ Disease & Thyroid Foundation. https://www.gdatf.org/about/about-graves-disease/. Accessed June 17, 2020.
5. Graves’ Disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/graves-disease. Accessed June 17, 2020.
6. Weightman DR, et al. Autoantibodies to IGF-1 Binding Sites in Thyroid Associated Ophthalmopathy. Autoimmunity. 1993;16(4):251-257.
7. Pritchard J, et al. Immunoglobulin Activation of T Cell Chemoattractant Expression in Fibroblasts from Patients with Graves’ Disease Is Mediated Through the Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Pathway. J Immunol. 2003;170:6348-6354.
8. Bartalena L, et al. The 2016 European Thyroid Association/European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy Guidelines for the Management of Graves’ Orbitopathy. Eur Thyroid J. 2016;5(1):9-26.
9. McKeag D, et al. Clinical Features of Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy: a European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) survey. Br J Ophthalmol. 2007;91:455-458.